Steve Wainwright surrounded by his supersized creations. (James Linsell Clark via SWNS)
By Faye Mayern
A DIY fanatic has built supersized versions of everyday household items — including a giant pencil, cassette tape and playing card.
Steve Wainwright, 62, creates huge sculptures of things that would ordinarily fit in the palm of his hand out of wood, metal and plastic.
The former electrician's projects can take anywhere from three days to two weeks to complete out of his workshop at the bottom of his garden.
Steve, from Stanground near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, has been dubbed "Mr. Big Stuff" and has now made 20 installations including a 5-foot-tall Staedtler pencil and 3-foot-tall cassette tape.
The retiree said: "I took on the role of a house husband as I retired before my wife.
"You can only cook and clean for so many hours so I decided I wanted to build something. I didn't want to be bored in the house.
Steve Wainwright sits atop a giant plug while holding the regular-sized inspiration. (James Linsell Clark via SWNS)
"I had a tape measure in my hand when I saw an electrical plug and I thought I could build that bigger.
"I settled on 10 times the size as it's easy math but sometimes I do use a bit of artistic license.
"Anything that will fit in the palm of my hand, I will give it a go — lipstick, screws, pencil sharpeners."
Steve, who worked with the National Health Service ambulance service for 10 years, describes himself as a "maker of things."
He began creating in his garage but soon moved into a 4,000-pound (about $5,000) workshop which he also built himself.
His sculptures have caught the eye of those passing his home and he has exhibited the huge items for charities.
Steve Wainwright an his giant and regular pencil. (James Linsell Clark via SWNS)
Steve said: "From the male point of view, they'll say, 'This is amazing!'
"But from the female perspective, they usually ask where I could possibly keep everything.
"I've been asked to support charities and the blind find they can identify the items by touch, especially with the original, smaller version alongside it.
"The public love the pencils."
Steve Wainwright with his huge versions of a key and lock. (James Linsell Clark via SWNS)
Steve has made a table-sized, retractable tape measure which took him two weeks to build — while his pencil sharpener took three days.
He has even sculpted giant keys — one shed and one Yale — and said he'd love to take them into Timpson.
Steve estimated he had spent around 2,500 pounds (about $3,100) on the materials but added: "It was never about the money. The joy of it would fade.
"People don't appreciate the skills they have and look over just how capable they can be."
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